Northern Michigan University, located in Marquette, Michigan, is a dynamic four-year, public, comprehensive university that has grown its reputation based on its award-winning leadership programs, cutting-edge technology initiatives and nationally recognized academic programs. Northern has a population of about 9,000 undergraduate and graduate students.

Ask a few Northern students what drew them to our university and you will get a variety of answers. That's because there is no single thing that make students want to go to Northern; it is ALL the things that we do here. Northern is big enough to offer a wide variety of academic programs but is also small enough that every time you walk across campus, you'll probably wave "hi" to someone you know.

Curiosity is the raw ingredient of knowledge. It causes us to ask questions, to seek answers, to learn. At Northern Michigan University, natural curiosity and intellectual challenge meet in stimulating classes grounded in the liberal arts. So wherever your curiosity leads you, you can count on the support you need to take the next step, ask the next question, propose the next hypothesis.

The mission of the Northern Michigan University Department of Intercollegiate Athletics, Recreational Sports and the United States Olympic Training Site is to create an environment that promotes academic excellence, interpersonal growth and social development; embraces diversity; teaches lifetime leisure skills; fosters spirit and tradition; and builds a lifelong connection to NMU.

Yes, you'll attend your classes, but what else will you be doing as a student at Northern? There's so much stuff to choose from. There's a student organization or club – almost 300 at last count-- for just about every interest. If you're into investigating the paranormal, anime or improv comedy, there's a group. Cheer on your fellow Wildcats at a hockey game or volleyball match. Join a competitive club sport or an intramural team. The sky is the limit.

ACCORDION DUO PERFORMS AT THE COMMONS

News Releases

Accordion duo Brent Buswell and Burt Stromholm, along with Crista Buswell on piano, will perform a free concert at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 2, at the Marquette Commons. Audience members are encouraged to bring lawn chairs and a picnic dinner to the show. The event is presented by the Beaumier Heritage Center at Northern Michigan University and the Finn Grand Fest Foundation.
Buswell has been blind from birth and began playing the piano when he was three years old. He received his first full-size accordion at age 12 and it became his main instrument. He also plays the organ and percussion. Buswell graduated from Berklee College of Music. He has released three albums and performed with the Grammy Award-winning Jimmy Sturr Orchestra and at the Finnish Embassy in Washington, D.C. He has also appeared at many functions across the country, including Finn Grand Fest 2005 in Marquette.
Stromholm has performed and played dances on the accordion since his youth, either as a solo act or as a member of various bands. He has also written shows and has been actively involved in organizing Scandinavian events and hosting performers from Finland and the United States.
The duo has played together for more than 10 years and boast a diverse repertoire of music: classical, American standards, Christian, Scandinavian and more.
The Marquette Commons concert is co-sponsored by the Superior Alliance for Independent Living and the Downtown Marquette Association.
In addition to their performance on July 2, Buswell and Stromholm will also be featured performers at the Finnish Music Festival in Convington June 28-29 and at the International Food Festival in Marquette on July 4.